White Lace Angel Wings

White Lace Angel Wings (Caladium bicolor 'White Lace') is a tropical foliage plant with large, heart shaped leaves in deep green, boldly patterned in ice white. It grows 30cm to 60cm tall and wide and brings a graphic, high contrast look to humid shade, covered patios and bright rooms. It is toxic if chewed, so keep it away from pets and small children.

Why you'll love it

• A graphic white pattern. Ice white markings on deep green make a bold, crisp design that stands out even in low light.
• High contrast. The strong difference between white and green gives a sharp, modern look beside softer foliage.
• Shade without gloom. White leaf markings reflect light, so it lifts a darker bed.
• Pot or ground. Grow it in a container, a courtyard bed or a tropical border, or keep it indoors as a houseplant.
• Renews each spring. It rests in the cooler months and restarts when the weather warms.

Where it works best

Tropical garden underplanting. Plant 40cm apart beneath taller foliage in a frost free garden to build a patterned layer of white and green.

Courtyard and patio pots. A single large pot in bright shade makes a crisp focal point.

Interior displays. In a well lit room away from direct sun, the white markings read clearly against darker furnishings.

Growing White Lace Angel Wings in Australia

Position and climate. A humid, shady, frost free spot with indirect sunlight. It is for tropical and subtropical gardens outdoors, and for pots indoors or on sheltered patios in cooler climates.

Soil. Free draining soil or a good quality potting mix suits it.

Water and feed. Water regularly in the first 12 weeks and only if the soil seems dry once established. Feed with a liquid fertiliser at half rate every few weeks as it establishes. Indoors, a daily spritz on the leaves keeps the humidity up.

Pruning. Remove old leaves for a quick tidy up. In cooler months the foliage may die back as the plant becomes dormant. Remove spent leaves, put the plant in a dry, dark room and water only every four to six weeks until spring.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell White Lace Angel Wings as tube stock only: a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. It arrives as a small plant, and young leaves may show the occasional pink spot, which is perfectly natural. Plant it into warm, humid shade soon after it arrives, and keep it away from frost.

Availability of the tube varies, because it comes from our grower rather than from our own shelves, so it is not always available. When it shows as sold out there is none ready, and the notify button on this page emails you the day it is back.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• More tropical plants
• Browse indoor plants
• Plants for partial shade
• Shade gardening in Australia

Common questions

Are the pink spots on young leaves normal?

Yes. You may see occasional pink spots on young leaves. That is perfectly natural and not a sign of disease or poor care.

How do I stop leaf tips drying out?

Raise the humidity. Caladiums love humid air, so spritz the foliage daily indoors, keep the plant out of draughts and away from heaters, and water regularly through the first 12 weeks.

Is it a houseplant or a garden plant?

Both. It grows outdoors in humid, shady, frost free gardens, and as a houseplant in a well lit room elsewhere. In cooler climates, grow it in a pot so it can come indoors.